Gemma's Word Gems Goes International

Wow, so I found out that there is this really cool feed that allows you to check your audience. Well, check this out, as I speak there are 17 people viewing my blog! (Gasp.) So, overall I have 1, 939 viewers in Canada, 26 in the US, 20 in Brazil, 7 in Russia, 6 in Greece, and 1 in the UK, Germany, and Pakistan! Here I was thinking that no body was checking in, and yet I have been viewed at least (taking out calculator....) 2001 times!

Wow, I should really post more often....anyhoo, it just goes to show that you should get yourself out there, 'cause you never know who's watching (reading) about you! Happy Monday!

PS- Enjoy the rain!

A Flood of Possibilities

So, yesterday I went to a workshop on "How to Get Published", which was hosted by Tinlids. I must admit, going in, I was nervous. I mean here were Publishers and Editors and Authors and (GASP) Agents!!!!! But, in the end it truly was helpful. I learned a lot of great things that I would have NEVER thought of.

So, in the event of yesterday, here is a small list of things to have in your story:

• In order to create a believable story you must have at LEAST one of four conflicts: Personal (Your value system), Interpersonal (a fight between two or more characters/people), Institutional / Society (Work or school or a club), and Enviromental (forest fire, attacked by bear, car crash).
• Your story must have a TWIST
• Know your voice and insure that it is not only an exciting story, but that the plot is CHARACTER DRIVEN
• Less is more (allows readers to form their own views)
• Is is essential to have a "Narrative Pull" (which takes the reader by the hand and compels you to turn page after page)
• Have a character under pressure
• And always keep your mind open! Don't stick to the outline.

Here is a list of things that relate to submitting and writing ability / talent:

• Stop hitting delete, save all your copies so that you can compare
• Target a publisher (Go to bookstores, websites, buy books with lists, and visit http://www.bookcentre.ca/ ) It is important though that you visit the publishers website and read their guidelines for submissions. There is no point in sending a Paranormal Romance to a Non-fiction publisher!!!! (By following the guidelines, you show you can work as a team and are professional)
• Send your manuscript by mail, and also send a copy to yourself for proof. DO NOT OPEN IT WHEN YOU GET IT!
• Publish as much as possible (Short stories, magazines, poems, whatever you can)
• Know what makes your work stand out and is unique
• READ A LOT
• Take different courses at Ryerson and UofT
• NEVER EVER EVER write "Dear Editor" or "Dear Art Director" or whatever. Your work automatically gets chucked. Send to a name (get involved and connect with people in the industry)
• Know what you are passionate about and DO IT!
• Read frequently because publishing trends change
• Make sure your manuscript FITS with the publisher
• Editors and Agents want CLEVER and WORD PLAY
• Remember you will get better
• If you are not passionate then the work will be soulless
• Find an editor and have it professionally evaluated

There is a lot more, but I think this is a great way to get started! Look it over and have fun! Have a great weekend! :)

Hello Again

Well, yes, I will admit, it's been too long! And for those of you who have kept checking in, wondering if there will EVER be another post, here it is! So, hello again to all you bloggers! Now, yes yes shame on me, I haven't updated this for over a few weeks, and to those of you who are wondering, no I haven't been busy writing! *SHOCK!*

You see, I've been procrastinating, which is something that all writers will find themselves doing at some point or another. It's not that you don't want to write, or that you can't write...it's really that you just can't be bothered. There comes a time when you ask yourself "What's the point? It probably won't be published anyway, so why are you wasting your time trying?". And everyone is licenced to doubt themselves once and a while, but never believe the doubt. If you can't fight for what you want most in the world, then who will?

"So, what's been happening in your time of shame, Gemma?"

Well, to be honest, a lot....but nothing of great importance. I'm sending out my first few chapters to an editor this weekend (YIKES!), and though it is scary, I just have to suck it up and be brave! This is the very first step to getting my book published. Secondly, I've signed up for a writing seminar on November 20th, which should offer some help, and third....I just missed out on a big opportunity.

"What opportunity?"

Well, the well known and award winning author (Arthur Slade) came to my school, handed out free books, gave a presentation on how he went about getting published, the secrets of great writing, and what not. Every class went to the presentation.....oh, wait, EXCEPT MINE!!!!!!! The one time I get to  find out the key to success, WHOOSH, there it goes!

Sigh, but no worries, I'm going to believe in myself and do my very best. And no matter how much I don't think this will work, I'm not going to care, I'm going to do it anyway. So Gemma's back!

Hello again blog.
Hello again computer.
Hello again writing.
Hello again.....